West Brom away in the Cup. What was the score? 2-2 AET, lost on Pens 4-3
A lot to be pleased about tonight. Another battling performance against a team widely considered the best in the division. That is three times we have come close to beating the Baggies, although crucially we haven't yet but the biggest game is yet to come.
Even at two-down, reports from the rain sodden Hawthorns were pretty positive. Pace created plenty of chances and both WBA goals came against the run of play. The one concern was another goal-less performance from McLeod and an awful miss from strike partner Varney in the 1st half. His confidence not helped by his missed penalty later. Perhaps a lesson is required from Bougherra in composure.
Meanwhile Chris Dickson came on with 8 minutes left and forced extra-time to the delight of a decent away following and embarrassing Baggies' fans already halfway home! Dicko then came close in extra time to winning the tie with 3 minutes left when going solo, he cut inside from the left and hit an upright.
Big Chris made a difference when he came on according to some reports and it gives Pardew a headache for Saturday's game at Vicarage Road as long as he doesn't somehow decide to play Iwelumo upfront on his own.
So a dignified defeat, probably the best result on reflection avoiding any confidence sucking banana-skin at in-form Peterborough, and getting a free-weekend into the bargain. Last season West Brom got to the 5th Round and went out after a replay to Middlebro. They only won one of their next six games. Food for thought.
Who stayed 'til the end at The Hawthorns: Addicks Championship Diary.
Reports: Independent;
ESPN;
Daily Mail;
Guardian;
The Sun;
cafc.co.uk;
Baggies.com.
What Pards' said: "We were absolutely brilliant. It was a good performance and we were just squeezed out."A bottle of fizzy pop for: Chris Dickson. Well the youngster had me rocking back and forth on my work chair like a crazy thing after his late equaliser and he nearly won it for us deep in extra-time when he hit the post.